Superovulation is a procedure where two to three ovarian follicles (eggs) are stimulated and brought to maturation and ovulation.
It is usually combined with intrauterine insemination in which the prepared sperm is placed directly into the uterus. This procedure will enhance conception for the couple.
Any couple who has unexplained infertility, mild male factor infertility, cervical factor infertility and mild endometriosis can undergo this procedure. The patient must have normal fallopian tubes and her husband should have sufficient good quality sperm.
The procedure is done on an outpatient basis.
Fertility drugs are given for 10 days or more to produce between two to three mature follicles. These drugs may be either injections (gonadotrophins) alone or a combination of tablets (Clomiphene) and injections. Ultrasound scans are done at intervals to determine the number and size of the follicles before another injection (HCG) is given for final maturation and subsequent ovulation of these follicles.
On the day of the insemination, the couple has to bring the husband’s semen sample to the hospital. The semen is prepared and the motile fraction is then placed into the uterus using a fine catheter through the cervix.
Superovulation & Intrauterine Insemination Procedure
The patient is then started on medications to help improve the chances of implantation and thus pregnancy. A blood test (serum progesterone) is taken seven days after the insemination to monitor the effectiveness of these medications. The patient should return to KKIVF 17 days after the insemination for a pregnancy test.
Natural conception in a fertile couple aged about 35 years old occurs about 15% per month. When infertility factors are present, this is much reduced.
SOIUI improves the chances of conception for infertile couples and the average success rate is about 12-15% per cycle or 26% per patient after 3 cycles.
The overall success rate varies with the cause of infertility and the age of the female partner. For some conditions, the pregnancy rate can be as high as 36% per patient.
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